NEW DELHI: The India vs Pakistan game brings out the best in the best. Great players rise to the occasion and take on other great players to bring glory to their homeland. And with the 2025 Asia Cup encounter between the two historic rivals right around the corner, let's take a look at some of the key player battles you should watch out for.

1. Jasprit Bumrah vs Saim Ayub

Jasprit Bumrah is arguably the greatest bowler of this generation. A nightmare for every batsman who stands against him. Rarely does a batsman go unscathed and unbeaten after a matchup with Bumrah. But now there is a new kid on the block. And Bumrah will be licking his lips at the prospect of getting yet another scalp under his belt. But on the other hand, Saim Ayub, the 23-year-old, has a golden opportunity of making a name for himself when he faces Bumrah with the new ball in his hand.

2. Shubman Gill vs Shaheen Afridi

A short yet intense rivalry that will shower us with memorable moments over the years is that of Shubman Gill and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Sparks were flying in the direction of their opponent right from the U-19 level. And at the senior level, it has just gotten more serious. A very balanced rivalry has seen Shaheen get the Indian opener out twice, but recent history suggests that Gill has had the upper hand.

3. Kuldeep Yadav vs Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan's answer to India's spin department, led by Kuldeep Yadav, will be Fakhar Zaman. The veteran batter with all his experience is Pakistan's best player of spin and will have his limits tested by the Chinaman bowler, who was the Man of the Match against the UAE after picking up 4 for just 7 runs.

4. Suryakumar Yadav vs Mohammad Nawaz

The Indian skipper is one of the, if not the most well-rounded, T20I batsmen going around. But even every force of nature has its Kryptonite. And Suryakumar Yadav's Kryptonite is left-arm spin. Mohammad Nawaz, who, according to head coach Mike Hesson, is the "Best Spinner In The World", will be tasked with repeating what he did in the 2022 World Cup and send SKY back to the pavilion.

5. Hardik Pandya vs Abrar Ahmed

Hardik Pandya has always been India's saviour down the order. Just remember his vital involvement in Melbourne in that historical chase. And if it comes down to that, the swashbuckling all-rounder will have to slog the likes of Abrar Ahmed, the Pakistani leggie. The one who wins this battle might have a huge impact on the outcome of the game.